Rep. Rich Haggerty

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive noise study along interstate highways in Bedford, Burlington, and Woburn. The study will measure traffic noise levels and assess their impact on surrounding areas, with a specific focus on evaluating the potential effectiveness of noise barriers. An acoustical engineer working for the department will perform the analysis, and the findings along with recommendations must be submitted to state legislative officials by June 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal category called "bona fide business entities" to help small businesses avoid being classified as employees under state and federal laws. To qualify for this status, a company must be registered with the state, report its income as business income on tax forms, file payroll taxes for its own workers, and follow all labor and employment regulations. The primary effect is that independent contractors meeting these criteria would not be subject to employee-specific rules in areas like taxation and labor standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance plans in Massachusetts that cover screening mammograms for state employees to also cover diagnostic breast cancer exams and digital breast tomosynthesis screenings without charging higher out-of-pocket costs. The legislation defines diagnostic exams as medically necessary tests used to evaluate abnormalities found during screenings or based on medical history, ensuring these services are treated with the same financial benefits as standard mammograms. Additionally, the bill creates an exemption for high-deductible health plans that use Health Savings Accounts, allowing them to maintain their tax-qualified status while still complying with state preventive care requirements. These changes aim to improve access to early detection tools for breast cancer across different types of insurance coverage within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing a universal school meal program in Massachusetts to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. It would require the state to allocate funding for these meals and mandate that every school district participate in the program. The legislation aims to ensure that every child attending a public school in the Commonwealth receives nutritious food at no cost to their families.

By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2190) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to diabetes prevention. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the SHIELD Act, requires schools and youth organizations in Massachusetts to adopt official policies designed to prevent child sexual abuse. These policies must outline clear codes of conduct that define appropriate and inappropriate behaviors for employees and students, including specific examples of sexual misconduct such as soliciting dates or making suggestive comments. The state departments of education and children and families are tasked with creating these model policies in consultation with other agencies and private organizations, and they must review and update the guidelines at least every five years to ensure they reflect current best practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to increase the maximum number of children allowed in large family child care homes from ten to twelve. The change directly affects licensed providers operating these specific types of care settings, allowing them to care for more children under the existing large family home classification. By updating the statutory limit, the legislation expands the capacity for these homes without altering other regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve early education and care in Massachusetts by making services more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for children and their families. It seeks to support child development and strengthen the state's economy by expanding access to these essential services. The legislation outlines specific goals to enhance the quality of care and reduce costs, though the provided text does not detail the exact funding mechanisms or implementation steps.